Apron sinks initially became popular towards the end of the 19th century – specifically amongst large families in rural areas. For a long time they fell out of fashion and were rarely used although they’re starting to become more popular again.
When apron sinks were first used they provided a very specific purpose – a large basin to cope with the amount of washing that a big family gets through. Today, dishwashers make this less of an issue for many people. Everyone still wants their kitchen to look great though and an apron sink can work in almost any traditional design. One of the things you’ll need to decide upon when buying an apron sink though is which material to go for.
Traditionally, apron sinks were made out of porcelain so if you want to have an authentic look to your kitchen then this is the material you should go for. Porcelain apron sinks aren’t the only option though. If you have a more modern kitchen then a stainless steel model may be more appropriate although these often conjure up the mental image of industrial or restaurant kitchens.
There are also a number of different styles of apron sink you can buy. For example, some come with a pattern on the front (apron sinks come away from the work surface slightly rather than being covered). Others have a double basin rather than a single. You should visit local kitchenware stores to get an idea of the different types that are available and which would suit your kitchen the best. Try to get a sink that matches the existing style of your kitchen so that it doesn’t stand out. Your budget will play a role in which type of apron sink you can buy but you should also factor in the cost of delivery and plumbing.